Big agenda planned for Lincoln's 250th festivities

LINCOLN— Several towns in the region have already celebrated a 250th Anniversary. Lincoln intends to mark its big event with nine days of diverse activities. The celebration of 250 years of life in Lincoln will run from July 26 through August 3.

A website already offers many details about anniversary events and how residents can get involved. Go to: http://lincoln250.org.

Tara Tower, the town's recreation director, serves as the chairman of Lincoln's anniversary committee. On Thursday afternoon, she discussed how the community's planning has proceeded so far.

Tower has been impressed with the range of ideas the committee has received and the commitment in town to make the anniversary great. "It's neat to see different civic groups getting involved," she said. Several businesses are sponsoring many of the celebration's activities.

Varied ways to enjoy the town's 250th will be available. These include a community block party on Church Street, an outdoor movie night, fireworks, an ice cream social, and a 5K run/walk.

The anniversary will wrap up on Sunday, August 3. A parade down Main Street will precede the 1 p.m. closing ceremonies.

Logging was central to Lincoln's development. In reference to the industry, Tower said, "Essentially, that's what founded this town." To recognize the importance of logging, Tower said the Lumber Jills, an all-female entertainment group, will perform multiple times during the anniversary. Axe-throwing and log rolling will be two of the activities. Tower called the Lumber Jills "a neat way to visualize" the history of Lincoln.

Residents of town have been an important resource for the committee, Tower said. Some have even provided insights on favorite activities from 50 years ago during the town's 200th Anniversary.

To honor the event from 50 years ago, Tower said a time capsule, placed in the ground in 1964, will be opened this year. To provide a favor to the future, a new time capsule, set for opening in 2064, will go in the town hall.

Jean's Playhouse is part of the anniversary, as well. "The Drama," which will present Lincoln's 250 years of history, is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28. InnSeason Resorts and Union Bank are sponsoring the evening's performance.

A group of quilters are preparing an anniversary quilt. According to Library Director Carol Riley, the quilt will go on display at the town hall and the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society. The Society's cookbook will go on sale soon, as well, Riley said.

Residents can still get involved in anniversary prep. A photo contest, with details available online, will determine the photo that will be put in the 300th Anniversary time capsule. Photos can be submitted electronically to photocontest@lincoln250.org. Go to the anniversary website to download a release form that must be submitted with the contest entry.

Historic photos or recipes can be submitted as well, to photos@lincoln250.org or recipes@lincoln250.org.

The town's Fourth of July parade will feature a 250th theme, Tower said. The parade will provide the committee a chance to detail plans for the anniversary celebration later that month. "That's our goal to have everything ready," Tower said.

The committee has coordinated with the Lin-Wood Alumni Association, which is holding its reunion on the first weekend of the anniversary. "It works really well to tie the two events together," she suggested.